CottonMill Marketplace Archives

December 9, 2010

CottonMill Marketplace developers taking next steps

The CottonMill Marketplace project in Starkville is moving forward, according to articles in two local newspapers.

You will recall that in October the Board of Trustees of Mississippi's Institutions of Higher Learning gave approval to a Mississippi State proposal to advance the multi-phase project, which includes a convention center, hotel, restaurant, and office and retail space on a parcel of land between Russell and Spring streets across Highway 12 from the university.

The Cotton Mill Development Group will “purchase land adjacent MSU's Cooley Building for $2.8 million and enter into a lease agreement with MSU for the Cooley Building for $300,000 per year. The facility will be renovated and converted into a conference center and 37,000 square feet of office space. The Cooley lease agreement is for 41 years with the property then reverting back to MSU. The Group will also pay Mississippi State up to $850,000 in relocation costs related to operations currently run out of the Cooley Building. Research centers at MSU are expected to lease space in the facility,” a University Relations news release stated.

UPDATE, 12/16/10 — The Starkville Daily News has another Cotton Mill story in today's edition. It details the design changes developers have made to Mississippi State's historic Cooley Building, as well as how the project's financing is coming together.

December 17, 2010

Looking back: 2010 a phenomenal year

As we wrap up another calendar year at Mississippi State, I've looked back on my past year in this position and have seen progress on so many fronts.

The Cotton Mill conference center is moving toward reality, and I am convinced it will have a tremendous impact on MSU and Starkville. The university commissioned an independent feasibility study of the project, which came back with a very positive assessment, and even a recommendation that the hotel should be enlarged. We hope to see completion in 18-24 months.

Following the Select Committee on Efficiencies and Innovation, several follow-up committees have provided me with recommendations specific to the research program. I have already implemented a number of these recommendations, and am working toward others. Our office is working to provide better and more efficient support to your research efforts, identify new opportunities, and build the infrastructure necessary to continue moving our institution forward.

Engine for growth and progress
As many of you know, our university has been a key asset in creating economic development opportunities in Mississippi. We truly are serving as an engine for growth and progress in the state, and the Mississippi Development Authority and Legislature have come to fully realize the strategic benefit that a top-tier research university can be in industry recruitment, as well as business development and support.

The Research Park is an important component of our overall research and economic development strategy, and we are excited about the new business incubator building that was completed in the park this month. Tenant feedback has been very positive. We have also brought together the Research and Technology Corporation, the Office of Technology Commercialization, and the Cochran Entrepreneurship Center, physically co-locating them in that building so that they can work together closely and provide better service to MSU faculty and our industry partners.

In addition, the MSU Science and Technology Center building under construction at Stennis Space Center is moving along ahead of schedule, and should open mid-year. This facility will house the Northern Gulf Institute, and establish a strong presence onsite at SSC and expand the university’s presence throughout the Gulf South region.

Earlier this fall, the Electron Microscopy Center and the Institute for Neurocognitive Science and Technology were brought together into the Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies. I2AT is poised to have the infrastructure and expertise to accomplish more than the sum of its parts. It is also developing a partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine for clinical imaging capabilities for animals that will be unique in the Southeast.

Committed team
Turning specifically to the Office of Research and Economic Development, our staffing is in place and I could not be more pleased with the team we have. Each person in ORED has a tremendous can-do attitude and is wholly committed to Mississippi State and the growth of our research enterprise.

There are so many other things that come to mind, but this is a great sampling of the phenomenal year we have had. As I reflect, I am so appreciative of the spirit of cooperation that exists on our campus, and I am honored to be in a position such as this that allows me to see first-hand the tremendous resourcefulness and intellectual capability of our faculty, staff, and students.

I wish you all the very best for the holidays, and look forward to a great 2011. And go Dawgs! Beat Michigan!